Have you ever wondered what the benefits of playing the flute might be? As a lifelong musician and aficionado of the instrument, I have experienced first-hand how beneficial flute playing can be, both mentally and physically, but I wanted to find out what other musicians had experienced and how their music had benefitted them.
It’s fair to say that music has been a key component of human life for a very long time. After all, music has existed in human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of our ancestors’ musical exploits found across the globe, from ancient African rock art depicting music performance and dance, to the discovery in Europe, of flute like instruments crafted from hollowed out bones that date back more than 40,000 years. The fact that music has remained so central to the human experience, over such a vast timespan, has led researchers to explore its role in our everyday lives. Music accompanies us when we dance, it enhances our celebrations, and it relaxes us when we are stressed. Music motivates us when we exercise, raises our spirits when we’re feeling down, and silences our mind when we meditate. In short, music is the ultimate Swiss army knife for our mental (and physical) well-being.
So what did I find on my musical journey of discovery? Below are just some of the many benefits commonly associated with learning and playing a musical instrument like the flute. I wonder how many of these resonate with you?
• An improved ability to moderate mood; helping us to manage depression, and ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• An increase in self-confidence.
• Improved powers of concentration and the cultivation of patience in the face of challenge.
• Improved brain health, including a reduction in the likelihood of contracting dementia later in life.
• Strengthening of the lungs and respiratory system (when playing wind instruments such as the flute).
• Better posture and improved coordination.
• An excellent outlet for creative expression.
If you’re keen to tap in to the above benefits (and many more!), then the flute may just be the perfect instrument for you. It’s affordable, portable and versatile, making it ideal for a broad range of musical styles. And of course, most importantly, it’s capable of producing a beautiful, calming sound! And who doesn’t want a bit of calm in an otherwise turbulent world?